How to Use Reflexology for Acute Care
Find Quick Relief for Urgent Conditions and Complaints
Aug 5, 2009
Typically Reflexology is administered over the course of an hour by a qualified practitioner. Acute situations call for easy techniques that can be used in any setting.
Reflexology is a highly versatile modality. It can be used on the way to the emergency room, while sitting at a traffic light or for a child at the playground. Simple techniques can be applied to the feet, hands and ears offering fast relief to the recipient.
First Aid Reflexology
These techniques can be used either while waiting for the paramedics, in cases of life-threatening conditions, or alongside over-the-counter remedies.
- CPR and Revival Technique – the Spinothalamic tract is responsible for sending sensory signals from the big toe to the brain. In the case of someone not knowing basic CPR, or having a second person available, the big toe should be grasped firmly between the thumb and index finger like a pinch. Steady pressure into the fleshy pad of the big toe stimulates the reflex area for the pituitary gland and also sends a message through the Spinothalamic tract. Continue stimulating the pad of the big toes until emergency responders have arrived or the individual has been revived.
- Pain and Poisoning – Moss Arnold has spread the word about two obscurely-known points found on the balls of the feet referred to as “poison points.” Reflexologists have used these points for insect and spider bites, tooth abscesses, panic attacks, glandular fever and more. The points are located between, and just above, the first and second metatarsal-phalangeal joints. The joint is where the toe bone meets the long bone of the foot, on the sole or plantar portion of the foot. Arnold recommends using the very tip of the thumb to press into the space between the bones and slowly rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. Anecdotal stories indicate relief is almost immediate for most recipients.
Acute Care Reflexology
These techniques are for conditions that may not be life-threatening but are certainly a nuisance.
- Allergies – two points on the ears, using auricular therapy, seem to work well for an allergy attack – whether it is food or a pollen or dander. The first point is located at the very top, or apex, of the ear. This point can be held with the thumb and finger in a gentle upwards tug towards the ceiling. The second point is located in the upper valley or notch of the ear not far from the first point. Find this valley with the index finger and follow it as it begins to narrow, moving away from the head. Hold the finger here applying gentle but steady pressure, the finger can be rotated to apply a broader area of stimulation – work counter-clockwise to the point if rotating.
- Tooth Pain – a combination of points can be used for tooth pain; start with any point that is easiest to access and work until relief is found. Include the poison point referenced above. The tooth analgesia points on the ears are found in the lobes on the half closest to the head. Gently grasp the lobe with thumb and finger and tug downwards from top of the lobe to the bottom. Cover at least half of the ear lobe with these downward strokes or pinch (without using fingernails) the lobe for up to 30 seconds before moving onto another area of the lobe. In hand Reflexology the teeth and gums are reflected on the backs of the fingers just under the middle joints closer to the hand itself, opposite of side closest to the nails. Using the thumb of the opposite hand press a line along this area, pay attention to not press too hard on the tendons here. If an area is sensitive gently stimulate for up to 45 seconds, do this several times throughout the day but do not over-stimulate the points.
- Hot Flashes – usually tied into menopause hot flashes and night sweats can be annoying. For a public hot flash these techniques may be helpful to cool down fast. Pinch the thumb with the opposite hand’s finger and thumb to stimulate the pituitary reflex. Grasp the ring finger on the sides using the index finger and thumb right at the edges of the nailbed. Gently twist the ring finger back and forth – this may be very sensitive so use gentle pressure.
- Headaches or general pain – firmly grasp the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger with the opposite hand. Halfway in this notch lies the adrenal reflex point and all the way to the end of the notch, wedged up against the bones of the thumb and index finger, is an acupressure point called Hoku. Both of these points are effective for general pain relief and headaches and migraines seem to respond well to stimulation here. Squeeze both points for up to a minute each and repeat on the other hand if there is no immediate effect. Wait 10-15 minutes before repeating. For chronic migraine sufferers this point can be very useful but a word of advice – don’t over-stimulate this area as it can lead to broken skin or a very tender area of the hand.
Reflexology Techniques for Other Conditions
See your Reflexologist for tips on pressure techniques and locations for a variety of other complaints. She will be able to guide you on how to effectively use self-help Reflexology for general relaxation and health maintenance as well as stimulating points specific to your treatment plan.
Also ask for a recommendation on a source to purchase Reflexology charts to keep in the medicine cabinet or at the desk. The charts can be a great reference tool to help loved ones with common health complaints from constipation to insomnia.
Sources:
- The Poison Points and Sedation as a Form of Treatment by Moss Arnold at Australian College of Chi-Reflexology.
- First Aid and Reflexology by Barbara and Kevin Kunz at Reflexology Research Project.
- Author's personal experience as an ARCB Board Certified Reflexologist of five years clinical practice.
The copyright of the article How to Use Reflexology for Acute Care in Reflexology is owned by Amy Kreydin. Permission to republish How to Use Reflexology for Acute Care in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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